Often students and parents call us to ask about the MIP laws in Pennsylvania. As a courtesy, we've compiled the laws from every U.S. state and listed them below.

Please note that the Pennsylvania MIP laws displayed below are intended to help help you to understand your local Pennsylvania laws. While we have tried to show the most up-to-date version of Pennsylvania MIP laws, but we do not guarantee its accuracy. This information is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. It is in your best interest that you find an appropriate attorney for more information about Pennsylvania MIP laws.

Pennsylvania
Minor In Possession Laws

Pennsylvania Underage Possession of Alcohol

Possession is prohibited with NO EXCEPTIONS.

Pennsylvania Underage Consumption of Alcohol

Consumption is prohibited with NO EXCEPTIONS.

Pennsylvania Internal Possession by Minors

Internal possession is not explicitly prohibited.

Pennsylvania Underage Purchase of Alcohol

Purchase is prohibited, but youth MAY PURCHASE for law enforcement purposes

Furnishing Alcohol to Minors in Pennsylvania

Furnishing is prohibited with NO EXCEPTIONS.

Minimum Ages for On-Premises Servers and Bartenders in Pennsylvania

Beer: 18 for both servers and bartenders

Wine: 18 for both servers and bartenders

Spirits: 18 for both servers and bartenders

Notes:
In Pennsylvania, a minor who is 17 years of age who is a high school graduate
or who is declared to have attained his or her academic potential by the chief
administrator of his or her school district is deemed to be a minor of 18
years of age for purposes of the laws relating to the employment of minors by
retail licensees.

Minimum Ages for Off-Premises Sellers of Alcoholic Beverages in Pennsylvania

Beer: 18

Wine: 18

Spirits: 18

Notes:
In Pennsylvania, a minor who is 17 years of age who is a high school graduate
or who is declared to have attained his or her academic potential by the chief
administrator of his or her school district is deemed to be a minor of 18
years of age for purposes of the laws relating to the employment of minors by
retail licensees.

False Identification for Obtaining Alcohol in Pennsylvania

Provision(s) targeting minors:

Use of a false ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense

Penalty may include driver's license suspension through a judicial procedure

Provision(s) targeting suppliers:

It is a criminal offense to lend, transfer, or sell a false ID

It is a criminal offense to manufacture or distribute a false ID

Provision(s) targeting retailers:

State provides incentives to retailers who use electronic scanners that read birthdate and other information digitally encoded on valid identification cards

Specific affirmative defense - the retailer inspected the false ID and came to a reasonable conclusion based on its appearance that it was valid